As the cold winter months roll in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew to cozy up with. Packed with nutritious vegetables, tender meat, and a rich, flavorful broth, this winter stew is not only comforting but also simple to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe will warm your soul and fill your belly. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Hearty Winter Stew Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes (or chicken thighs for a lighter option)

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 4 medium carrots, sliced

- 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or russet work well)

- 2 stalks celery, chopped

- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- 1 bay leaf

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas (added in the last 10 minutes of cooking)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Cook the Meat: Add the beef cubes (or chicken) to the pot in a single layer. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.

2. Add Carrots and Celery: Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add Potatoes and Green Beans: Stir in the diced potatoes and green beans. Return the browned meat to the pot.

2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juice and the broth. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Season the Stew

1. Add Herbs and Spices: Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.

2. Add Peas (Optional): If you’re using frozen peas, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serve

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.

2. Enjoy: Serve the hearty winter stew hot, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

- Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prep or making a batch to enjoy throughout the week.

- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Mushrooms, butternut squash, or parsnips can be great additions.

- Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew in the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken it.

Conclusion

This hearty winter stew is the perfect recipe to warm you up on a chilly day. With its simple preparation, rich flavors, and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your winter cooking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the comforting embrace of a homemade stew this winter!

Happy cooking! 🍲✨